Through the Bible in 7 Hours | Session: IV

Through the Bible in 7 Hours Session IV

The Book of Acts is one of the most debated books in the Bible. Due to its transitional properties, it causes a lot of confusion and misunderstanding. This isn’t a pattern for us to follow in our current Dispensation, but rather, the Book of Acts is a record of the fall of Israel and the whole reason God gave for blessing us, the Gentiles, with salvation! This is His way of setting us apart from His favored nation.

The Book of Acts explains to us why things have changed between the beginning of the Book, which was the prophetic program written for the nation of Israel, and the end of the Book, which confirms the epistles and the mystery program that has been given to Paul.

If you are ready to dive in.......let’s pray in order that we can focus on God and what His word has to tell us.

The Book of Acts begins with the continued ministry found in the first four gospels.

Acts 1 essentially summarizes Luke 24. I will show you a couple examples of this and then I’ll tell you other verses you can look at to compare and figure yourself.

[Act 1:3 KJV] 3 To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:

[Luk 24:40 KJV] 40 And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them [his] hands and [his] feet.

This is the infallible proofs. This is where Jesus is showing himself alive so there is no question.

There is also Acts 1: 3 again and Luke 24:44,45

[Act 1:3 KJV] 3 To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:

[Luk 24:40, 44-45 KJV] 40 And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them [his] hands and [his] feet. ... 44 And he said unto them, These [are] the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and [in] the prophets, and [in] the psalms, concerning me. 45 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,

These scriptures are talking about the Kingdom of God and the Prophetic ministry.

There is also “Waiting for Power in Acts 1:4, 5, 8 and in Luke 24:49

If you look at Acts 1:8 and Luke 24:46,47 you will see the Order of ministry

Acts 1:9 and Luke 24:50,51 talk about the Ascension

And in Acts 1:12 and Luke 24:52, 53 you see the Return to Jerusalem.

Now early Acts is still in Time Past. This is very important to remember because if you look at it as But Now you will be misreading scripture. Remember the four things we learned about Time Past:

Israel is still God’s chosen agency, They are still under the Law, Gentile salvation was STILL through Israel, and the establishment of the earthly, Davidic kingdom was still the issue.

Look with me at Luke 13:6-9

[Luk 13:6-9 KJV] 6 He spake also this parable; A certain [man] had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none. 7 Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground? 8 And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung [it]: 9 And if it bear fruit, [well]: and if not, [then] after that thou shalt cut it down.

Do you know what this is saying? What this means is that God was giving Israel a “one year” extension of mercy to their time schedule. Now let’s look at Luke 23:34 and Acts 3:17.

[Luk 23:34 KJV] 34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.

[Act 3:17 KJV] 17 And now, brethren, I wot that through ignorance ye did [it], as [did] also your rulers.

Their minds were blinded in unbelief! It isn’t an excuse for them, but it does make a difference in the penalty. God uses a legal technicality to express His tender mercies to His favored people as He claims for them this renewed opportunity of repentance.

These examples clearly define the opening of the Book of Acts as an EXTENSION of mercy to the Nation of Israel.

Remember what I said at the beginning of today’s podcast? The Book of Acts is a transitional book.

The book may have opened with a renewed opportunity of repentance extended to Israel, but it concludes with salvation being sent to the Gentiles apart from and in spite of the ONCE FAVORED nation.

Let’s look at Acts 1:6

[Act 1:6 KJV] 6 When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?

And compare that with Acts 13:46 and 28:28.

[Act 13:46 KJV] 46 Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.

[Act 28:28 KJV] 28 Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and [that] they will hear it.

Did you see the transition, how it went from Israel then to it moving to the Gentiles?

Let’s look at another example...

[Act 2:38 KJV] 38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

[Act 10:44-45 KJV] 44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. 45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.

And then here at.

[Act 16:31 KJV] 31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

It went from receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost through baptism to just “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and though shalt be saved”.

There are more examples if you look at Acts 2:14,22,36 and compare that with Acts 11:19 and then again with Acts 13:46, 18:6, and 28:28

[Act 2:14, 22, 36 KJV] 14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all [ye] that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words: ... 22 Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know: ... 36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.

[Act 11:19 KJV] 19 Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only.

[Act 13:46 KJV] 46 Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.

[Act 18:6 KJV] 6 And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook [his] raiment, and said unto them, Your blood [be] upon your own heads; I [am] clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles.

[Act 28:28 KJV] 28 Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and [that] they will hear it.

These verses show the literal transition from Israel being the chosen people to cutting Israel out and then finally just going to the Gentiles. Now in order for Israel to be saved, they have to become like us. Do you see the 180 that has taken place? NOW, NOW is the time to be alive! NOW is the time to be saved! NOW is OUR TIME! Let’s not waste it!

[Act 3:19 KJV] 19 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;

[Act 20:24 KJV] 24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

THE GOSPEL OF THE GRACE OF GOD! No more converting! We are saved by the GRACE OF GOD!

There is a clear and distinct line between the Time past and the But now. The salvation and commissioning of the Apostle Paul marks a dispensational boundary line of supreme importance.

Now the Book of Acts is a book with three pivotal points. There is the outpouring of the Spirit, the outbreak against Stephen, and the outgoing to the Gentiles.

First let’s look at the Outpouring of the Spirit...

Acts 2:14-21

[Act 2:14-21 KJV] 14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all [ye] that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words: 15 For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is [but] the third hour of the day. 16 But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; 17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: 18 And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy: 19 And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke: 20 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come: 21 And it shall come to pass, [that] whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Not the two “I will” statements? Verses 17 and 19. Plainly the Spirit has been poured out and the wrath is on the way.

In Time Past the coming of the Holy Spirit was a National Promise which held the prospect of Kingdom blessing. It was associated with Israel’s coming Kingdom and the inauguration of her New Covenant.

[Act 2:4 KJV] 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Just a little side note, when it says that they speak in tongues, it isn’t talking about some made up language. It doesn’t mean that they just say random bablings when praying or anything at all. Look with me at:

[Zec 8:20-23 KJV] 20 Thus saith the LORD of hosts; [It shall] yet [come to pass], that there shall come people, and the inhabitants of many cities: 21 And the inhabitants of one [city] shall go to another, saying, Let us go speedily to pray before the LORD, and to seek the LORD of hosts: I will go also. 22 Yea, many people and strong nations shall come to seek the LORD of hosts in Jerusalem, and to pray before the LORD. 23 Thus saith the LORD of hosts; In those days [it shall come to pass], that ten men shall take hold out of all languages of the nations, even shall take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying, We will go with you: for we have heard [that] God [is] with you.

What it means by speaking in tongues is that they just speak the language of those trying to understand the Word of God. They spoke languages that they didn’t know in order to get the Gospel to other people.

This is Divin reversal of

[Gen 11:7-9 KJV] 7 Go to, let us go down, and there confound their language, that they may not understand one another's speech. 8 So the LORD scattered them abroad from thence upon the face of all the earth: and they left off to build the city. 9 Therefore is the name of it called Babel; because the LORD did there confound the language of all the earth: and from thence did the LORD scatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth.

Let's look at

[Act 2:30-33 KJV] 30 Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne; 31 He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption. 32 This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. 33 Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.

The pouring out of the Spirit is proof that Jesus Christ has been exalted by the Father as His King and that His kingdom is ready to be established.

Notice the other thing? Christ was in Hell when He was crucified. I have been asked this before and I used to wonder about where He went when He died. Now you know.

Acts 2:34-36 says

[Act 2:34-36 KJV] 34 For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, 35 Until I make thy foes thy footstool. 36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.

The time for the arrival of “the wrath to come” and the establishing of Messiah’s kingdom has arrived.

Acts 2:42-47

[Act 2:42-47 KJV] 42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. 44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common; 45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all [men], as every man had need. 46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, 47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

The lifestyle of the Kingdom put on display. Fulfillment of Ezekiel 36:27 (spontaneously living for one another) in obedience to Luke 12:32.

Let’s move on now to The Outcry Against Stephen.

This would basically be considered “Crunch Time” for all the senate of the children of Israel.

In Acts 6:15 this is a special message from God to confront the nation’s leadership.

[Act 6:15 KJV] 15 And all that sat in the council, looking stedfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.

Just like Moses’ shining face when giving the Law.

Israel commits the “unpardonable sin”

[Act 7:51-53 KJV] 51 Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers [did], so [do] ye. 52 Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers: 53 Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept [it].

[Act 7:54-56 KJV] 54 When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with [their] teeth. 55 But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, 56 And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.

Note the progression of Israel’s guilt in response to God’s threefold call to repentance:

She permitted the murder of John the Baptist.

She demanded the murder of Jesus Christ.

She committed the murder of Stephen.

Acts 2:34-36 makes it clear that there is only one reason for Christ to be “standing” and that is to initiate His “day of wrath”

[Act 2:34-36 KJV] 34 For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, 35 Until I make thy foes thy footstool. 36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.

Moving to the 3rd and final point for today, The Outgoing to the Gentiles.

In 1 Timothy1:12-16 and Ephesians 3:1-9 you can see the reason that the prophesied “day of wrath” did not arrive.

Now look with me at

[Rom 11:11-13 KJV] 11 I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but [rather] through their fall salvation [is come] unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy. 12 Now if the fall of them [be] the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fulness? 13 For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office:

It has moved to the Gentiles and We are now the chosen in order to make Israel jealous.

[Act 9:15 KJV] 15 But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:

This is God Himself telling us that Paul is the chosen vessel to bear HIS name to us gentiles and the kings and children of Israel. We are all the same! We all receive the same Gospel. There is no distinction.

[Act 26:15-18 KJV] 15 And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest. 16 But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; 17 Delivering thee from the people, and [from] the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, 18 To open their eyes, [and] to turn [them] from darkness to light, and [from] the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

What more proof do you need?

[Act 13:46-47 KJV] 46 Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles. 47 For so hath the Lord commanded us, [saying], I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth.

It is no longer for just Israel. There is a new Gospel for all the people of the earth.

[Act 18:5-6 KJV] 5 And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews [that] Jesus [was] Christ. 6 And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook [his] raiment, and said unto them, Your blood [be] upon your own heads; I [am] clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles.

And finally let’s look at Acts 28:28 again.

[Act 28:28 KJV] 28 Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and [that] they will hear it.

Things have changed! BUT NOW HAS ARRIVED!!

Join us next week as we continue on through this book “Through the Bible in 7 Hours”. There has been a lot learned and I know there is still a lot more to come! Have a great week and we will see you all next Saturday at 10 Central! Always remember,

[2Ti 2:15 KJV] 15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.